However, on Friday night Clarkston's Gent's 3rd team won the West of Scotland 3rd division defeating Whitecraig's 3rd team.  The victorious team are pictured below.  When did Agassi come out of retirement?

In the under 45's Alan Mitchell defeated Gordon Andrew 2 - 1 in what is the final year for both players in the Under 45's.  I have some reservations as to their eligibility for this years!

Ian Hudson made a successful defence of the Club Championship by defeating Jim Meechan 21 - 11 in this years finals.  Ian hopes that Championship wins are like buses, you wait ages for one and suddenly three come at once.

In the Vice President's final Jack Hurry had a confident 21 - 12 win over Peter Rutherford, who failed to make it a family double with his wife having won the Ladies VP Trophy.  It is however a double in the Hurry household with Lois winning the Ladies Championship earlier this week.

The nomination pairs saw a narrow win for Gordon Andrew and Iain Hunter who recovered from a slow start to defeat Malcolm Burns and Peter Cation in a closely contested match.

The Murchie Cup was successfully defended by Ali Shan who had a straight sets win over Russell  Graham coming from 6 - 1 down in the first set.

Ken "full house" Murchie now has the complete set of having won every trophy possible by at last winning the Drummond Trophy with a comfortable win over past winner John Crombie.  It is a unique achievement and one that will probably stand for a few years yet!

Have now had the computer repaired, thanks to Murray Kerr (Secretary of Overton & Waterloo), can I reclaim costs?

"Summer" is nearly over and finals are upon us.  This year sees Ian Hudson (defending champion) take on Jim Meechan (Millenium Champion) and also his nominated pairs partner in the Championship.  In the Vice Presidents Peter Rutherford, who had the cheek to defeat President John Harrison in the semi final will now face last years President Jack Hurry.

The honours went to Ian Hudson, Stuart Law and Jim Britton with Alex Weir, Stewart Martin and Hamish Orr as runners up.

Thanks to Malcolm McLaren for the update.

CLARKSTON TENNIS CLUB

Championships Prize-winners 2006

Event                                    Winner                                Runner-up

Men' Singles                            Euan Smith                          Scott Bolling
Women's Singles                      Romana Owen                     Jill Montgomery
Women's H/cap Singles            Sharon Mitchell                    Heather Martin
Men's H/cap Singles                 John Wilkie                         Derek Walker
Women's Doubles                    Lesley Taylor                        Fiona Ratcliffe
                                            Sharon Mitchell                     Lindsay Hood
Mixed Doubles                        Sharon Mitchell                     Pratyusha Mohan
                                             Iain Coventry                       Riveesh Mohan
Men's Doubles                         Euan Smith                           Scott Bolling
                                            Graham Hood                        George Finlayson
Boys' U-15 Singles                   Riveesh Mohan                      Sam Finlay
Boys' U-18 Singles                   Steven Bradshaw                   Andrew Fraser
Girls' Singles                          Jill Montgomery                     Pratyusha Mohan
Boys' Doubles                         Steven Bradshaw                  Andrew Fraser
                                            Sam Finlay                            David Zochowski
Boys' U-12 Singles                   Peter Robinson                     Declan Campbell
Alan Scott Trophy                  Scott Bolling                         Dylan Egelstaff
                                            Derek Walker                       Alan McEwan
 

Thanks are again due to Hugh for the photograph.

Internally the Blackwood Shield was won by the pairing of Joyce Crombie and Alan Mitchell pictured below.  The pairing won this years event by using surprise tactics.  Having a good laugh and putting bowls closer to the jack than normal (Well Alan was reported to have drawn to within a yard which happens as frequently as Halley's comet).

Many thanks to Hugh McGhee for the photo's!  Next time you photograph Russell can you please take one of his better side.

In the evening this years first domestic prize was claimed by Mike Hudson, Robert Downs, Gavin Templeton and Russell Graham when they defeated Peter Cations rink to win the Mitchell Fours.

Best of luck to the seniors for today's final!

In this years Eaglesham Fair trophy Clarkston, last years winners, suffered a heavy defeat to Stamperland.  So Clarkston not only returned the trophy but also managed to loose the trophy!  If President John was looking to match Jack's "magnificent seven" last years then things will need to improve.  (John was part of the Eaglesham four)

Hopefully next week will see an upturn in fortune for Clarkston!

Please note that there have been more dates added to this years Social Calendar and tickets for these and others are in high demand, so if your interested in any event contact Greg ASAP.

This years team to play Queens Park in the traditional opening friendly bowls fixture (Saturday 28th April) together with those for the Scottish, Renfrewshire & Glasgow are up on the gents bowlers notice board.  It would be of assistance to Alex and the match committee if you could confirm your availability ASAP.

Trust that all members have an enjoyable season and best wishes to all representing the club in their respective sport.

This Sunday (2/7/6) sees Clarkston's under 45 rink of Craig Milliken, Allan Mitchell, David Ratcliffe and Crig Bolling play Wellcroft in the GBA semi final at 2:00pm on Kingswood.  Your support is welcome!

Friday night saw Clarkston, who were leading the Hillpark league, crash to defeat both home and away.  So this weeks teams face the task of putting Clarkston's challenge back on the rails.

In Saturday's RBA County Cup Clarkston were 58 shots to the good, mainly thanks to Ian Hudson's impressive 33 shot victory, with Jim Meer's rink (Craig Milliken, Malcolm McLaren and Craig Bolling) result to come.  It was though a disastrous 21 shot defeat for this rink which cost Clarkston a repeat of last years win.  The winning shots total was 51 up with Clarkston finishing 3rd.  Ian's rink have some consolation in winning the Hall trophy for the highest up rink.

Pride of place goes to Chico Quershi, Malcolm Burns and Peter Cation who won the RBA Triples at Charlestown on Sunday with a narrow 3 shot victory.  A win made more satisfying by coming back from a 6 shot loss in the 1st end.  With Peter playing a number of telling bowls throughout Clarkston fought back well.  So that's a GBA title in 2005 and an RBA title in 2006, any offers for 2007?   This means Clarkston have won this trophy for 2 out of the last 3 years.

Sunday also saw the district semi-finals and final of this years SBA Mixed Pairs.  The Clarkston duet of Liz and Alex Fraser had a comfortable semi-final win over Croftfoot, last years winners!   However, the final saw the Kingswood pairing, Mr & Mrs Boyle< progress to the inter-district stage with an impressive display.

In the GBA Cup on Tuesday Clarkston recorded a 105 - 39 victory over the visitors with Craig Bolling's rink of Alan Mitchell, Ken MacBride and Peter Cation contributing 40 shots.  With 8 shots added because Victoria Park failed to appear we have a 74 shot victory which puts usin with a good chance of securing yet another trophy for 2006.  Will advise ASAP.

In the GBA Millennium triples Croftfoot were to progress with a 2 - 1 victory over a strong Clarkston team.  A close fought match ended with Jim Meer's opponent securing the vital win with a fluke on the last end.  The only winning triple being Graham Kerr's (Alex Weir and Russell Graham).

On Thursday night both the singles and pairs were to fall at the district final.  In the singles, Craig Bolling was defeated 21 - 12 by Alastair Dick from Rutherglen.  Better weight and drawing from the Rutherglen man saw him secure an early lead which Craig was unable to reel in.  In the pairs, Roy Hall and Ken Murchie gave as good as they got in the early stages and it required a burst in the middle section to see the Kingswood pair return to Ayr five years after their Championship winning run of 2001.

In the GBA U45's the rink of Stuart Law, Allan Mitchell, Gordon Andrew and Craig Bolling progressed to this years semi-finals with a hard fought one shot (17 - 16) victory over their counterparts from Eaglesham.

Clarkston will face Rutherglen in the District singles final and the 2001 Scottish Champions from Kingswood in the pairs this coming Thursday at Farme.

Other results from Mount Florida saw wins for Rutherglen in the Junior Singles,  Croftfoot in the triples and Kirkhill in the fours.

Clarkston  also had a Hillpark League tie against Kingston which was won with a convincing 20+ shots margin.  To date Clarkston have dropped only 3 points in the league and are well placed.

Your roving reporter

Alex

In the Hillpark league a strong finish from the Clarkston home rink enabled them to see of Stamperland and secure a further two points.  However, the away team were unable to complete a perfect start to the Hillpark League and were narrowly defeated.

Saturday saw the 1st social function for 2006 with a quiz night that was enjoyed by all who there. Thanks to Gregg and all who assisted in making a great start to the social year.  There is a Karaoke Night coming sup in July so all the budding singers can treat us to a rendition of their favourite songs.

Tonight saw the start of this years Mitchell Fours with both 1st round ties going down to the last end.  In the match between skips Graham Kerr and Craig Bolling a run of seven ends without reply saw the former progress to the next round.  In the other tie a remarkable comeback from Ian Hudson's rink saw them through to the next round to face Graham Kerr's rink.

This week sees the start of the annual association competitions and our best wishes go to all Clarkston's representatives, in particular Ali Shan who plays his prelim round of the Glasgow singles at Darnley on Wednesday night.

Our thanks to those members that helped out recently in doing some much needed work around the clubhouse, the improvement has been commented on by a number of members.  We may do the same again later in the year and with some extra help we can make our club something special.

Help make your Club a place to be proud of!

Yarrow bt Queen's Park 3 1/2 - 1 1/2 (Queen’s Park Conceded)

(Yarrow names first):

I Drake bt B Tollins 21-2

Donald Nelson bt A White 21-4

T Cochrane bt S Schosloff 21-7

A Martin v James Frazier finished 14-14

A McWhinnie v C Lawrie finished 12-13

So with the exception of the Presentation Night on the 1st October, I guess thats it for another year for the internal competitions.

Singles: - Robert Moles (Titwood) 21 - Andy Hargan (Hillpark) 12.

Junior Singles: - Mearns bt Cardonald.

Pairs: - Thornliebank bt Newlands.

Triples: - Busby bt Eaglesham.

Fours: - Bellahouston bt Shawlands.

Snr Fours: - Shawlands bt Bellahouston.

Its a double for George Valentine as he and George Ashton win this years Senior Pairs with a comfortable win over President Bill Skinner and Bill Blanchflower.  George had earlier won the Senior singles title.

In the U45's final Gordan Andrew gained a small measure of revenge over Stewart Law, who beat him earlier in the season in both the major singles competitions, with a straight sets victory 7 -2, 7-2.

The Stewart Martin singles league was won this morning by new champion Ali Shan with a 10 - 5 victory over John Sadler.

The destination of the remaining silverware for 2005 will be decided tomorrow when Jim Meers and Ali Shan play the Murchie singles final at 2:00pm.

The completion of last weeks postponed Hilpark semi-finals saw Clarkston's last hopes of a finalist fall following defeat by Busby.  The Clarkston triple of Stewart Law, Jim Meechan & Ian Hudson were unable to pull back their opponents lead.

The semi-final is to played this coming Wednesday at Sandyhills.

In the Stewart Martin Singles league the holder John Sadler had a comfortable win over Roy Hall.  He will now play the new Club Champion, Ali Shan in this years final following his defeat of Ian Hudson.  The final is scheduled for Saturday morning at 10:00.

In the Hillpark league Clarkston are out of the rink competition as they are down with 11 ends played.  Hopes now rest with the triples who resume their game with Busby on Friday night with five ends to play.

Tomorrow night sees the final f this years Nominated Fours competition together with the semi-finals of the Singles League.

Thursday night will see the club presented with the RBA County & Centenary Cup.  The RBA will provide a committee rink together with Wellmeadow and Thornliebank how also secured wins in this years competition.  Once again congratulations to all involved.

The Presidents final was a one side affair with Jim Meechan running out a comfortable 21 - 7 win over Graham Kerr on what was clearly a tricky rink.

The Vice Presidents final was an equally one side affair with Andy Agnew winning 21 - 6 over Bill Blanchflower.  This was Andy's third appearance in this final so obviously it was third time lucky.  I get the impression that he may be quite pleased with himself.

The Nominated Pairs saw Ken Murchie and Roy Hall complete a phenomenal year with Ken adding this to his earlier SBA District win and Roy completing an impressive hatrick of GBA  Seniors, Club & Nom Pairs.  Against the 2003 winners, Gordon Andrew & Iain Hunter, the early exchanges were even with the score at 5 - 3 after four ends.  However, 10 shot over the next 4 ends saw Ken & Roy move into control and move out to win 22 - 13 after 16 ends.

In the Seniors Singles final George Valentine retained the Bill Drummond trophy.  I am advised that should he win it for three  years running  he is obliged to take it home.  It was a one sided match against Roy Hall and George was never under any pressure.

This years Club Pairs Winners Roy Hall and Alex Weir, picture courtesy of Allied Press (Wee Hugh).

In last nights Hillpark Knock out competition none of the games in which Clarkston had representation were completed.  These have now all been scheduled for next week.  All three teams are currently trailing the competition but are still in with a chance of progressing.  At Thornliebank, Robert Moles of Titwood is through to the singles final to play either John Sadler or Andy Hargan of Hillpark.

In the Senior Singles semi-final the holder George Valentine moved a step closer to retaining the Bill Drummond trophy with a 15 - 7 win over last years runner-up.  He now faces Roy Hall in the final, and the winner will have the privilege of placing this magnificent trophy on their mantelpiece for twelve months.  Final to be played this Sunday evening the 28th of August.

Gordon Andrew won his semi-final against Craig Bolling 7 - 6, 7 - 5 in a close fought match.  The two matched each other bowl for bowl, but Gordon was to win through to play Stewart Law for the 3rd time this season.  Third time lucky?

Thanks To Moira Keane for the above update.

Congratulations to Laura Meechan on winning this years Ladies Championship, and I suspect that the Presidents final between Laura and Cathie will be as equally hard fought.

In the remaining Section 2 game Ken Murchie won 17 - 4 after twelve ends.  With nothing at stake the two teams rightly adjourned to the bar.

Feedback would indicate that this format was enjoyed by all and if an eighth team had entered this could have added meaning to the last section 2 game.   for final league placings. 

Championship: - Craig Bolling v Ali Shan; Marker - Alex Fraser.

Presidents: - Jim Meechan v Graham Kerr; Marker - Bill Skinner.

Vice Presidents: - Andy Agnew v Bill Blanchflower; Marker John Harrison.

Nom Pairs: - Roy Hall & Ken Murchie v Gordon Andrew & Iain Hunter.

Umpire: - Gavin Templeton.

On a brighter note I can confirm that Clarkston have won this years RBA Centenary Cup with the rink of Mike Hudson, Jim Meechan, Ian Hudson & Jim Meers.  This completes an impressive double in the RBA having already won the County Cup.

The club was again in action in the Hillpark Knock-out competition with all three remaining teams progressing to the semi-finals.  In the singles John Sadler won 21 - 19 at Stamperland and will now play Hillpark's Andy Hargan at Newlands next Friday.  The triples of Stuart Law, Jim Meechan and Ian Hudson had a comfortable win over their opponents from Whitecraigs despite trailing 6 - 0 early on and will play at Thornliebank next Friday.  Like John in the singles the rink made heavy weather of their game against Stamperland at Whitecraigs.  Leading by three shots going into the last the Stamperland skip, Davie Warren, played an excellent chap and lie to give Stamperland a match winning position.  However, this well matched by skip Ken Murchie and he together with Robert Doodson, Robert Downs and Craig Bolling will play at Thornliebank next Friday.  

The latter should be congratulated for their third successive final appearance.

In the balloted pairs semi Alex Weir and Roy Hall had a comfortable win over Bill Blanchflower and George Valentine to ensure both Alex & Roy reached pairs final 2 years in a row but this year as a pairing.

Thanks To Gordon Andrew for the above update.

In the GBA Five single Clarkston had a convincing 4 - 1 win to move into the last sixteen of this years competition.  Ali Shan drew first blood with a an excellent 21 - 6 win, this was backed up by Jim Meers and Graham Kerr.  With the match secured Craig Bolling went on to win 21 - 16 and Ian Hunter narrowly lost 21 - 18 despite lying game in the penultimate end.  Clarkston's top 5 now face Stepps at Giffnock next Wednesday.

In the other section a six shot win for Ian Hudson's rink puts them in control of the section but with all to play for in the last week as 3 out of 4 teams can still progress following Craig Bolling's rink win over John Sadler. 

Wednesday nights GBA five singles has been switched from Partick to Stepps, where Clarkston will play Kelvindale.

In today's  RBA Top Ten Clarkston recorded an 8 - 0 win over over Priorscroft at Abercorn.  Considering the previous weeks narrow victories this was certainly a big improvement from Clarkston.  The pairs of Alex Weir and Ian Hudson got Clarkston of to a flyer with a comprehensive win this allied with a 21 - 16 win in the singles put Clarkston well in control.  The rink skipped by Jim Meers recorded their first win and the triples fought back well from a sluggish start to overhaul their opponents.  Next weeks game is at Ralston.

In the former Clarkston had two rinks up (Gordon Andrew +18 and Jim Meers +10) this combined with + 8 for Graham Kerr's rink due to the non appearance of Nitshill & Hurlett put Clarkston in good stead.  However, in the remaining rink skipped by John Harrison Clarkston were to drop 11 shots.  Overall, a good result with a plus 25 margin.

In the knockout section of the Hillpark League Clarkston enjoyed a mixed bag of results.  In the singles John Sadler bounced back well from last night's disappointment to record a 21 - 13 win over Darnley.  Both the triples and rink join  John in the next round following 18 - 8 and 22 - 10 victories over Wellcroft and Newlands respectively.  The Senior Fours lost 20 - 19 to local rivals Newland despite being well up at one stage and the Pair were to also loose 18 - 16 to Titwood.

It has come to my attention that Bill Skinner and Bill Blanchflower are through to this years Senior Pairs final.  I hadn't noticed this result until tonight, but well done to both.

In the Club Pairs Hamish Orr and Jim Meechan progressed to the final with a comfortable victory over opponents George Ashton and John Harrison.  They await the winners of Roy Hall & Alec Weir agains Bill Blanchflower and George Valentine.

Earlier this week Roy Hall won his semi-final against John Crombie in the Senior Singles.

In tonight's Glasgow 5-Singles Clarkston secured their place in the next round at Partick BC with a 5 - 0 win over their opponents from Dromoyne.  Comfortable wins from Graham Kerr and Ali Shan together with an excellent fight back from Jim Meers ensured a good victory. 

The final league positions can be found on the Gents Bowling page.  Clarkston finished third this year behind Cardonald and Eaglesham.  Whilst falling short of last years excellent achievement I think this is a great effort from those that took part.

In the RBA Top Ten it was another nail biter as Clarkston progressed to the 2nd round with a 1 shot victory over Pollokshaws at Nitshill and Hurlet.  Wins in the singles and pairs secured 4 points for Clarkston and this was to prove enough to put Clarkston through.

In the Vice Presidents semi final between Bill Blanchflower and Donald Davidson the latter never got out the starting blocks, allowing Bill to run out a comfortable winner.  Bill now faces last years runner-up Andy Agnew in this years VP final.

In the over 45's Ali Shan made short work of Gavin Templeton winning the 1st set 7 - 0 in two ends.  Whilst Gavin pressed hard in the second set Ali was to win this 7 - 5 and progress to the final where he plays either Jim Meers or Jim Purcell.

In the Nomination Pairs, Roy Hall and Ken Murchie progressed to the final with an impressive victory over the holders, holding a 5 shot lead going into the last.  Defending champions Alec Weir and Jim Purcell were also chasing from the start and couldn't counter some strong leading from Roy and Kens conversion shots.

In the Blackwood Final (Mixed Triples), President Bill Skinner backed up some earlier victories in 2005 partnered by Cathie Muir and Craig Bolling (Skip) when he secured this years Blackwood Shield.  In a tight contest the winners edged out their opponents Hugh Nelson, Laura Meechan and John Harrison (Skip) with victory in an extra end.

Alishan - see some photos of a great day at the Alishan Mixed Fours.

In the Hillpark League Clarkston won their last home game by a comfortable 20 - 10 margin.  The rink of Roy Hall, George Valentine, Jim Meechan and Ian Hudson were in control from the first end despite some close 1 shot exchanges in the middle section of the game.

Wonder what prize he'll get himself?  Put your name down for the Presentation Night on the 1st October if you want to find out!

Back: - Runners Up - Alan Mitchell, Ann Rutherford, Dan Adams & Lois Hurry.

Front: - President-Bill Skinner, Ann Gourlay, Mike Hudson, Sponsor-Ali Shan, Ivy Lee, Jack Hurry.

Thanks to Ali & Chico for their continued sponsorship of a great day!

At East Kilbride last years Nominated Fours winners Malcolm McLaren, Gordon MacIntyre, John Harrison and Ken Murchie won three of their five section games.  However, it was the English National team that was to progress to the semi-final stage from this section.

Congratulations are due to Cardonald who are this years Hillpark League Champions!

Clarkston's Seniors secured the double over local neighbours Whitecraigs with a narrow away victory.  The highest up rink was Clarkston B who recorded a moral boosting win prior to Ayr Northfield.  I am advised that this is the 1st Clarkston win for a number years and means that is the Seniors win against the Mearns they will have 100% record for 2005.

Our sincere thanks to John Sadler for a great day!

Pictures to follow.

Winning Team: - Hugh Nelson (Lead), John Sadler (Skip), Gavin Templeton (Second)

The singles title was won by Titwood's Robert Moles, this is Roberts third success in the GBA Champion of Champions tournament.

Other winners included: - Junior Single: Victoria Park; Triples: Pollokshaws, Rink: Kelvindale

In the Intercounty cup the Clarkson rink of Mike Hudson, Andy Agnew, Alec Weir & Ian Hudson recorded a 20 shot victory.  They were the highest up Renfrewshire rink, though this was not enough to prevent the Intercounty cup going to a Dumbartonshire rink.

At Burnside the Clarkston pair of Lois Hurry & Craig Bolling fell at the district semi-final stage of the SBA Mixed Pairs to Angie Baird & Martin Bain of Croftfoot,  losing by 8 shots (7 down playing the last).  Croftfoot play Camphill (in the final today) who came back strongly to beat the Wellcroft pairing.

It was second time lucky for Clarkston's Lois Hurry in the pairs of the East Renfrewshire. She lost in the final last year but teamed up with Cathie Muir to fend off a strong challenge from the Drumoyne due to take the title 16-11.

Clarkston have won the RBA County Cup for the first time as confirmed by RBA Secretary Gordon Cochrane.  Presentation of the trophy will be at Clarkston, with the date to be agreed between the club and association.  Winning rinks are as listed below: -

H. Orr, J. Crombie, R. Downs, G. Kerr - plus 12 ( Over Inkerman).

M. Hudson, A. Mitchell, A. Agnew, I. Hudson - plus 25 (over Birkmyre Park).

M. McLaren, G. Anderson, G. Templeton, J. Meechan - plus 16 (over Neilston). 

J. Hurry, J. Patrick, A. Shan, A.Weir - plus 21 (over Thornliebank).

Internal ties saw Stuart Law snatch a second win against Gordon Andrew.  Compared to their earlier seasons meeting in the Championship this was a comfortable four shot victory.  Also in the President's competition, Jim Meechan saw of a spirited fight-back from last years runner up John Sadler to book his place in the next round.

In the nominated pairs a close fought tie saw A. Mitchell & C. Bolling through to the next round following an extra end.  With the scores tied at 16 - 16, opposing skip D. Ratcliffe's last bowl touched the jack to hand victory to his opponents, an ill deserved loss.

Other results saw Croftfoot's Martin Bain run out a strong  winner against Eddie Montgomery of Castlemilk.  This secures Martins place at Ayr in the National Singles for the third time in four years.  Another regular visitor to Northfield, Mark Kelsy of Rutherglen will again make the trip down to Ayr as District 29's representative in the junior singles.

In the pairs Camphill overcame strong resistance from Busby's David Pickles and Tommy Alexander to secure their place.  The Giffnock triples of Peter Queen, Jim MacDonald and Stewart Martin secured a hard fought win over Rutherglen's triples.  In the fours Eaglesham were victorious over Croftfoot.

It was a narrow miss at home too, following a tie on both shots and ends between Eaglesham and Clarkston for the Kessel Cup at Clarkston.  A play off between each clubs skips under the "golden bowl" saw Eaglesham capture the trophy from holders Clarkston.

The same night saw Clarkston's under 45 GBA rink fall victim to a strong Croftfoot rink skipped by Martin Bain.  A tricky rink, Kirkhill, was mastered early on by the Croftfoot four who built up a commanding lead in the early stages, which was well protected.  Croftfoot now progress to the semi-finals of a competition held by south-east clubs for the last three years; Croftfoot, Clarkston & Rutherglen respectively.